Modeling 101

You don’t have to be a full-blown model to make yourself as photogenic as humanly possible, you just have to learn some simple tricks. Truth is, I started learning at a young age; I always thought I wanted to be a model (taking after my mom) and I even gave it a pretty good try before finally realizing at that a) there’s hardly a modeling scene in Vancouver, b) I’m not tall enough for agencies, and c) I actually want to do a lot more than model.

So, over my course of modeling, chatting my ex-International model mama, and blogging for fashion, here are my top 5 tips for modeling tips from a fashion blogger (ie, me!) featuring a shoot I did for Choe and Jules, a new online store with the cutest pieces!

1. CREATE MORE SHAPE USING YOUR SHOULDERS AND HIPS

I learned this trick on my very first fashion shoot from a 60 year old male photographer. I can still recall him on the beach, showing me how to create a more dramatic shape by angling my shoulders and hips appropriately. It’s simple: just pop one hip and angle your shoulders to create a V on the same side.

2. PLACE YOUR HAND ON THE SMALLEST PART OF YOUR WAIST

We all know about the “hand on hip” pose, but it’s surprising how easily we can screw this one up. If you place your hand on your hip – ie. the widest part of your body – you are effectively making yourself look wider. Instead, place your hand on the smallest part of your waist to create a slimming aesthetic.

3. NEVER REST YOUR UPPER ARM DIRECTLY AGAINST YOUR BODY

This is a HUGE necessity for anyone who ever plans on being in a photo, ever. I always lend this piece of knowledge to the select few whom I’ve taken photos of: never rest your upper arm directly against your side. Why? Because no matter how big or small you are, this “presses” your bicep and creates, well, for lack of better words, fat arm. Just be conscious of lifting your arm a small, undetectable half-an-inch off your side.

4. BEND ONE KNEE AND REST IT AGAINST THE OTHER

Legs are another tricky thing to get right in photos. You want to appear ladylike while also adding more shape to your figure. Both slimming and aesthetically-pleasing, this modeling tip will forever change how you look in photos: simply bend one knee and bring it to touch the other knee, which is straight-legged.

5. LOOK AWAY AND THINK OF SOMETHING NICE

Because I’m constantly in front of the lens, staring and smiling towards it quickly gets boring. I now much prefer candid shots where I’m not even looking at the camera, and I think I may have officially coined the “looking down while giving a procured laugh” all as my own. This is a great relief for those who dislike how they look in photographs: just look away, thinking of something nice, or look down at your toes and giggle. It works like magic.

I know I’m not a professional model or anything, but I think we can all agree that when it comes to simply looking better in photos, modeling tips from a fashion blogger will certainly suffice!

CONTEST

Enter into a draw for 1 of 5 chances for 40% off your entire Chloe & Jules purchase and free shipping!